Apps & Services

The TCARES Groups.io site is the primary communication platform used by the TCARES team. It is used to distribute announcements, training opportunities, activation notices, exercise information, and general coordination between members.

All members and interested participants are encouraged to join.

Step-by-Step: How to Join the TCARES Groups.io

1. Create a Groups.io Account (if needed)

• Visit https://groups.io

• Click Sign Up in the top right corner

• Register with your preferred email address

• Confirm your account by responding to the email verification message sent to you

Tip: Use an email address you check regularly. You can also set up digest delivery or mobile alerts later in your preferences.

2. Subscribe to the TCARES Group

• Go to the group’s page: https://tc-ares.groups.io
  (or use the invitation link provided by a TCARES leader)
  Click +Apply for Membership In This Group

• Fill out the application fields with your name, call sign, and a short note identifying your interest (e.g., “Newly licensed ham in Thurston County interested in ARES”)

• Click Submit

Your application will be reviewed by a moderator, usually within 24–48 hours.

3. Confirm Access and Participation

Once approved, you’ll gain access to:

• Group-wide email list communication

• The Files section, including ICS forms, go-kit checklists, training resources, and net scripts

• The Calendar, with upcoming meetings, drills, and public service events

You will receive email updates automatically. You can also access all archives and files directly at https://tc-ares.groups.io by logging in.

4. Customize Your Notifications (Optional)

• Log into Groups.io

• Click your name in the top right corner → Account Settings

• Under Subscription Options, choose from:

  • Individual emails (default)

  • Daily digest

  • Special notices only

Support or Access Issues?

If you have any trouble signing up or accessing the group, contact the TCARES EC or one of the Assistant Emergency Coordinators for help. They can resend invites, approve accounts, or walk you through the process.

TC ARES uses Track It Forward to record and report member volunteer hours. Tracking your time helps demonstrate the value we provide to our served agencies and supports grant applications, recognition programs, and county-wide emergency planning efforts.

Logging your time is quick and easy, whether you’re attending a net, participating in a training, helping with an event, or deploying in a real emergency.

✅ Why It Matters

• 📈 Shows our collective impact to Thurston County Emergency Management and ARRL
  
  

• 💰 Supports funding and resource requests by documenting service hours
  
  

• 🧾 Creates a personal log of your ARES experience and contributions
  
  

• 🎖️ Helps recognize volunteers who go above and beyond
  
  

📝 How to Sign Up

1. Visit the TC ARES Track It Forward page:
   
   👉 https://www.trackitforward.com/site/thurston-county-aresraces

2. Click “Sign Up” and create your free account using your name and email.
   
   

3. Once approved, you can log hours from your browser or the Track It Forward mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
   
   

💡 Best Practices for Logging Hours

• Be specific: Use the appropriate activity category (e.g., “Net Participation,” “Training,” “Public Service Event,” “Deployment”).
  
  

• Log promptly: Enter your hours as soon after the activity as possible.
  
  

• Include details: Brief notes help clarify the value of your activity.
  
  

• Don’t overthink it: Even short tasks like checking into a net or monitoring a frequency count!
  
  

If you have any questions or need help getting started, contact a team lead or ask on the TC ARES groups.io forum.

Let’s show the impact our team is making—one hour at a time!

TC Alert – Thurston County’s Emergency Alert System

Powered by Smart911

TC Alert is Thurston County’s official emergency notification system, used by Thurston County Emergency Management (TCEM) to quickly notify residents of urgent safety information via text message, email, voice call, and through the Smart911 app.

TC ARES members are strongly encouraged to sign up, as the system may also be used to notify or activate amateur radio volunteers during emergencies.

✅ Why You Should Sign Up

• 🔔 Get real-time alerts about wildfires, floods, evacuation notices, shelter info, and more.
  
  

• 📡 ARES-specific notifications may be issued during drills, activations, or major incidents.
  
  

• 🛡️ Customize the types of alerts and locations you want to receive.
  
  

• 📱 Get alerts via text, email, phone call—or all of the above.
  
  

📝 How to Register

1. Visit the TC Alert sign-up page:
   
   👉 https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/emergency-management/emergency-information/alert-and-notification
   
   

2. Click “Sign Up for TC Alert” to create your Smart911 profile.
   
   

3. Provide basic contact information and the addresses (home, work, etc.) where you want to receive alerts.
   
   

4. Be sure to opt in to emergency notifications and select the types of alerts you want to receive.
   
   

📱 Smart911 Mobile App

For added flexibility, download the Smart911 app, which allows you to:

• Manage your alert preferences
  
  

• Receive push notifications directly to your phone
  
  

• Update your profile on the go
  
  

Download links:

• iOS: App Store – Smart911
  
  

• Android: Google Play – Smart911
  
  

🎥 Quick Tutorial: Using Zoom for Video Meetings

Zoom is an easy-to-use video conferencing tool that lets you join meetings from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s how to get started:

✅ What You Need

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone
  
  

• A camera and microphone (built-in is fine)
  
  

• A good internet connection
  
  

• A Zoom meeting link or Meeting ID
  
  

📥 Step 1: Download Zoom

Option A: On a Computer

1. Go to https://zoom.us/download
   
   

2. Download and install the Zoom Client for Meetings
   
   

Option B: On a Phone or Tablet

1. Search for “Zoom Cloud Meetings” in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)
   
   

2. Install the app
   
   

🔗 Step 2: Join a Meeting

1. Click the meeting link in your email or calendar invite (it usually starts with https://zoom.us/j/…)
   
   

2. If prompted, allow Zoom to open or install
   
   

3. Alternatively, open the Zoom app and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode
   
   

🎤 Step 3: Audio & Video Setup

• Choose “Join with Computer Audio” (or tap “Call using Internet Audio” on mobile)
  
  

• Click or tap Start Video to turn on your camera (if desired)
  
  

• Use the Mute/Unmute and Start/Stop Video buttons at the bottom of the screen
  
  

💡 Best Practice: Stay muted unless speaking, especially in group meetings!

💬 Step 4: Use Zoom Features

• Chat: Click “Chat” to type messages or questions
  
  

• Raise Hand: Click “Reactions” ➜ “Raise Hand” if you want to speak
  
  

• Share Screen (if allowed): Click “Share Screen” and select a window or desktop
  
  

🔚 Step 5: Leaving the Meeting

• Click “Leave Meeting” in the bottom-right corner when you’re done
  
  

🛠️ Tips for Success

• Join a few minutes early to check your setup
  
  

• Use headphones to avoid audio feedback
  
  

• Sit in a well-lit space with a clean background
  
  

• Use your real name and callsign so hosts can recognize you
  
  

• Try a test meeting anytime: https://zoom.us/test
  
  

Zoom is easy to learn and a great way for TCARES members to stay connected, attend trainings, or participate in planning calls. If you need help, reach out to a team leader before the meeting.